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Edelstein plays Dr. Lisa Cuddy, the boss and love interest of the irascible but brilliant doctor (played by Hugh Laurie) who solves medical cases no one else can.

According to a statement published by Deadline, Edelstain said she was ready to move on in her career.

"After much consideration, I am moving onward with a combination of disappointment at leaving behind a character I have loved playing for seven years and excitement of the new opportunities in acting and producing that lie ahead."

The actress' exit will no doubt have an impact on the "Huddy" plot line-- the on-again-off-again romance between Dr. House and Cuddy-- and some fans will surely be disappointed.

Along with costar Omar Epps, Edelstein had been asked to take a pay cut from her salary of $175,000 per episode, Deadline reported. Epps and doctor costar Robert Shean Leonard renewed their contracts just last week, according to Us Weekly.

The only cast member left to renew his contract is Jesse Spencer, who plays Aussie blonde Dr. Robert Chase.

Some TV blogs, including Deadline, speculate the eighth season is likely the show's last, but that hasn't been confirmed.